European football has a way of gifting us moments that will last forever. Some nights are about defiance, others about dominance, but if you ask me, every moment is about drama when Liverpool plays a game at Anfield. The new match is set for September 17th, 2025: Liverpool FC vs. Atletico de Madrid, a game of contrasting philosophies, rich history, and utterly relentless passion.

At 7:00 PM (UTC) that evening, the famous anthem will resonate across the Anfield stands while two clubs—the first desperate to sit on top of its European throne, the second defined by its ability to resist—will ticket it on Matchday 1 of the new UEFA Champions League format.

Liverpool makes the trip having just been crowned Premier League champions under the exciting new vision of Arne Slot, a man who is already earning his place in club history. At the same time, Atletico, led by the relentless Diego Simeone, will arrive in England with questions and belief. The events of the evening and what unfolds in the unforgettable Anfield atmosphere could determine the trajectory of not just the teams' group journeys but even perhaps their European identities.

The anguish of last season is barely half-heartedly in the rearview mirror: following Liverpool's last-16 elimination in the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, the Reds spent the summer watching the French club win the silverware Liverpool could so easily have once again claimed for themselves. For a club addicted to continental success, it was a bruising pill to swallow.

Yet Anfield has always been about resurrection—Arne Slot's Liverpool has begun the domestic campaign with four wins from four, although the tense nature of those wins is not in dispute. Every one of those four games had the last ten minutes filled with drama with late strikes, penalties, and very nervous endings. There have been signs of Liverpool grit, but Slot knows Europe will often ask for a different kind of grit in Europe with regards to poise, ruthlessness, and control.

This Liverpool squad, regrouped with the record signing of Alexander Isak for £125m and the midfield magic of Florian Wirtz, feels like a team set up for more than just England. Their record of not losing a single game from 14 matches at Anfield in UEFA competition and scoring two or more goals in 13 games is a staggering reminder that Liverpool typically delivers when the biggest game is on the line.

If Liverpool represents chaos turned to art, then Atletico Madrid is discipline forged from granite. Diego Simeone has imposed a philosophy for over a decade based on compact lines, fierce tackling, and counterattacking precision. Despite that, the start of the 2025/26 La Liga season has been somewhat rocky.

Three games without a win; a defeat to Espanyol and successive draws with Elche and Alaves led to scepticism swirling about the Madrid club's chances this term. Relief soon followed with a well-deserved 2-0 victory against Villarreal, and with Pablo Barrios and Nico Gonzalez scoring the two goals, it steadied the ship, although Simeone would know you can't take a half-hearted effort to Anfield.

Atletico’s defensive prowess is somewhat legendary: they have kept clean sheets in 42% of their Champions League matches under Simeone, the highest for any Spanish club with 50+ games under any single manager. However, the obduracy of that backline is in question because it cracked this season. And against Liverpool’s high press, perhaps those cracks could become chasms.

The narratives that have goodwill and friction in the lead-up to this one are compelling:

There are few matches that have had as much tension as Liverpool vs Atletico. In 2019/20, Atletico surprised the Reds by ambushing them at Anfield, knocking Klopp's side out of the Champions League. Liverpool got their revenge in the 2021/22 season, winning both of their group matches against Atlético, including 2-0 at Anfield.

Liverpool has scored 7 goals against Atletico, and Atletico has scored 6 against Liverpool in their last 4 meetings. The results have been narrowing, which speaks to how unpredictable the rivalry is.

Slot's Liverpool emphasises structured pressing, positional rotations, and overloads in wide areas. Szoboszlai and Wirtz will control the tempo, while Salah and Gakpo are expected to exploit half-spaces.

In contrast, Atletico will retreat to their 4-4-2 fortress, hoping to spring counters through the movement of Griezmann and physicality of Sorloth. The winner of the midfield battle, whether Koke/Barrios or Gravenberch/Szoboszlai, may dictate who will control the narrative.

Set pieces could also be key: Liverpool's aerial superiority (Van Dijk, Konate) facing off against Atletico's zonal marking.

• Scoreline: Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid

• Despite Atletico’s injuries and poor away form, Simeone’s team rarely buckles. Thus, expect Liverpool’s pressing style to benefit Salah’s sharpness.

• Alternative bet: Liverpool to win & both teams to score.

In the revised UCL, every win is important. Liverpool wants to avoid the mistakes of last year's early knockout disaster, while Atletico Madrid yearns for a consistent step beyond 16. For Slot, a win would elevate Liverpool's title credentials; for Simeone, a draw might feel like a statement. 

Anfield has had many stories of resilience and triumph. On this occasion, it might pen another chapter—either the flow of English champions bearing 'we're here' or the quiet, heroic countenance of Spanish warriors who escaped with prizes.

Expect drama. Expect intensity. Expect a game where every tackle, every pass, and every chant are in play. Liverpool, even with the form, depth, and home edge, are the favourites, but Atletico Madrid, wounded but uncompromising, will be the team that no one wants to see.

• Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid. Over 2.5 goals. Salah to be the hero again.